Just Another Day in the Life of a Substitute...

Here’s the thing; I like kids. I like teaching. But there are always the horror classes… the ones hat make a substitute’s hair stand on end. It was just a normal day when I walked into the math classroom at White Hills Middle School. The teacher had left careful notes for me. I was feeling cheerful. At least… until the students came in. “Hi!” I said. “I’m Ms.-” “Where’s our teacher?” someone called out. “STRANGER DANGER! STRANGER DANGER!” another one sang. “Your teacher is-” I tried again. “Is our teacher locked in the supply closet?” “I thought the closet led to Narnia.” “The teacher was here this morning.” “STRANGER DANGER!” “Didn’t you sub for us last year?” “Oh yes, in science. I remember.” “Oh. Then you’re not stranger danger anymore.” “We’re the chatty class.” Gosh. Really? I wouldn’t have guessed. “All right, boys and girls, I’m going to take attendance now…” “I’m Elliot!” “No you’re not – you’re Adam. I’m Elliot, remember?” “I thought we’d decided you were Bryan.” “Bryan? Where’d you get that idea? He’s Bryan, you’re Adam and I’m Elliot.” “NO YOU’RE NOT! Stop confusing the teacher!” “QUIET!” “You be quiet!” “OW! THAT WAS MY ARM! QUIT IT!”

Subscribe

Get Teen Ink’s 48-page monthly print edition. Written by teens since 1989.

Join the Discussion

This is funny, and true. I must say, though, some substitutes deserve it. Like Mrs. Drill Sergeant who checks her Facebook during school, and the sub who has no clue what our test is on, or how to help us. I feel bad for them, sometimes.

As a former teacher and one who has done time in the trenches as a substitute, I find this reminiscent of the behavior middle school students. The author's comments should be printed in some educational journals